AP PhotoDespite a sluggish preseason performance, the Detroit Lions' offense expects to regain its form now that star wide receiver Calvin Johnson has returned to the lineup.

ALLEN PARK -- The Detroit Lions' high-powered offense was decidedly underwhelming in four preseason games. In 18 drives with starting quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm, the Lions came away with just one touchdown and 22 total points.

But ask any of the players on that unit if they're concerned the preseason struggles will carry over into the regular season and you would be lucky to get more than a shrug of the shoulders.

In fact, Detroit remains overwhelmingly optimistic about the offense heading into the regular season. A lot of that has to do with the return of star wide receiver Calvin Johnson, who missed the final three exhibition contests with a knee contusion.

"It's as simple as having LeBron (James) on the court," wide receiver Nate Burleson said. "I'm just being realistic. That's why he gets paid the big bucks. He's a big part of what we do."

With his top target sidelined, Stafford struggled with his accuracy. He had his full arsenal of weapons back on Tuesday and said the difference was noticeable.

"We had guys coming into new roles and playing roles, that frankly, they're probably not going to play once certain guys on our team are back in the game," Stafford said. "It's nice being out there at practice, having the full complement today. Just guys in the roles they're comfortable with, ready to go play. I think it's going to help us, as an offense, play to our potential."

With Johnson returning, he slides back into his familiar role as Detroit's "X" receiver and allows Patrick Edwards to play the "Z" on the opposite side. It also frees up Burleson to move to the slot, where he's most comfortable at this stage of his career.

"I'm really excited just to get the opportunity to be on the field with (Johnson)," Edwards said. "The coverages he draws, and the opportunities I'll get on the backside, it's exciting."

Another reason for the team's optimism is the opening up of the playbook.

The group felt limited having to rely on vanilla play-calling during the preseason and is ready to incorporate the new tweaks to the scheme worked on during the offseason.

"What we have getting put in this week, leading up to this first game, is going to be a lot different than what everybody saw," Burleson said.